Card for information equipment, and terminal for information equipment

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from the prior Japanese Patent Applications No. 2004-255645 filed on Sep. 2, 2004, No. 2004-255646 filed on Sep. 2, 2004, and No. 2004-255647 filed on Sep. 2, 2004, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a terminal for information equipment such as a PC card or a USB communication terminal which is to be inserted into information equipment such as a portable computer or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), and particularly a technique for connecting and holding a chip card on which identifying information is recorded, such as a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card, a UIM (User Identity Module) card, or a USIM (Universal Subscriber Identity Module) card, on a PC card or a terminal for information equipment.

2. Description of the Related Art

Some of PC cards of this kind are used for expanding the function of information equipment (a portable computer, hereinafter often abbreviated to “PC”) and causing the information equipment to serve as a transmitting and receiving terminal for radio communication. In the case where such a PC card is used by plural persons, the following counter measure is taken in order to manage the use of each subscriber. In a state where a SIM card on which personal data and identifying information such as a subscriber telephone number are recorded is inserted to a PC card, the PC card is inserted into a slot of a PC to be electrically connected thereto. The identifying information of the SIM card is transmitted via the PC card.

A PC card is configured in accordance with the standard of PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association). In the case of Type 2, for example, the size is specified to the width: 54 mm×the length: 86.5 mm×the thickness: 5 mm. When a SIM card having a thickness of about 0.8 mm is to be inserted to such a very thin PC card, various difficulties in design arise in viewpoints such as the installation space.

In the related art, therefore, a mechanism of only sliding and inserting a SIM card into a PC card is employed. When the SIM card is to be detached, an exposed portion of the SIM card must be nipped. Therefore, the operability is poor, and bending stress or the like is generated in the nipped portion, thereby causing a possibility that internal breakage occurs.

Recently, in order to solve the problems of the operability/the connection reliability, and the like, a PC card in which an ejecting mechanism is employed has been proposed. In the PC card, a middle portion of the PC card is cut away, and an ejecting mechanism which is attached to the cutaway portion causes a SIM card to be inserted and extracted in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the PC card.

In a related PC card, when a SIM card is erroneously extracted during operation, there is a possibility that a circuit board of the PC card is broken. In a state where a PC card is inserted to a PC, therefore; the PC card must be protected so that an erroneous operation of extracting a SIM card does not occur.

By contrast, in the PC card having the ejecting mechanism, the cutaway portion for the ejecting mechanism is formed in the middle portion of the PC card, and hence the strength of the PC card itself is weakened. Even when the PC card is reinforced, the circuit board may be broken by twisting of the PC card or the like. Furthermore, the cutaway of the PC card and an insertion port of the ejecting mechanism cause the circuit board and the like of the SIM card or the PC card to be under the influence of electrical noises. There is a problem in that a countermeasure against noises generated by this configuration is not sufficiently provided even by a shield.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to provide a card for information equipment and a terminal for information equipment in which the strength of the card itself can be held to prevent a circuit board or the like from being destroyed, and an erroneous operation of extracting a chip card in a state where the card or the terminal is inserted to information equipment can be prevented from occurring.

Another object of the invention is to provide a card for information equipment and a terminal for information equipment which is hardly affected by electrical noises caused inside information equipment.

The invention provides a card which is to be inserted into a card slot of an information equipment, having: a card terminal portion which is electrically connected to the information equipment in a state where the card is inserted into the card slot; and a chip slot which is provided for inserting a chip card into the card, wherein an insertion port of the chip slot is provided in a surface which is not facing to internal surfaces of the card slot, and the chip card is restricted to be ejected from the insertion port when the card is inserted into the card slot.

The invention is applied to a card for information equipment having a single plate-like shape or a card for information equipment with an extending portion.

The invention provides a card for information equipment, having: a card body portion which is to be inserted into a card slot of the information equipment; a card terminal portion which is electrically connected to the information equipment in a state where the card body portion is inserted into the card slot; and a chip slot which is provided for inserting a chip card into the card body portion, wherein an insertion port of the chip slot is placed in an insertion port of the card slot when the card body portion is inserted into the card slot, the card body portion has an operation portion which is provided for ejecting a chip card inserted into the chip slot, and the operation portion is placed so as to be covered by the card slot when the card body portion is inserted into the card slot.

The invention also provides a card for information equipment, having: a card body portion which is to be inserted into a card slot of the information equipment; a card terminal portion which is electrically connected to the information equipment in a state where the card body portion is inserted into the card slot; and a card extending portion which projects from the card slot in a state where the card body portion is inserted, wherein the card extending portion has a chip slot which is provided for inserting a chip card into the card body portion, an insertion port of the chip slot is placed on an outer side face which leads to an insertion port of the card slot when the card body portion is inserted into the card slot, the card body portion has an operation portion which is provided for ejecting a chip card inserted into the chip slot, and the operation portion is placed so as to be covered by the card slot when the card body portion is inserted into the card slot.

According to the cards for information equipment, the chip slot to which the chip card is to be inserted is disposed in the another end portion of the card body portion or the card extending portion, and the insertion port of the chip slot is placed in an end face of the another end portion of the card body portion or the outer side face of the card extending portion. Therefore, the chip card can be easily inserted. Further, although a cutaway portion is not disposed in the card body portion, the strength of the card itself can be held to prevent a circuit board or the like from being destroyed.

Furthermore, when the card for information equipment is inserted into the card slot of the information equipment, the operation portion for ejecting the chip card is covered by the card slot of the information equipment. Therefore, in an inserted state of the card for information equipment, an erroneous operation of extracting the chip card from the card for information equipment can be prevented from occurring.

The invention also provides a card for information equipment, having: a card body portion which is to be inserted into a card slot of the information equipment; a card terminal portion which is electrically connected to an equipment terminal portion in the information equipment in a state where the card body portion is inserted into the card slot; and a card extending portion which projects from the card slot in a state where the card body portion is inserted, wherein the card extending portion has a chip housing portion which houses a chip card, and a chip cover which exposes or covers the chip housing portion in accordance with selection of an open state or a close state, and the close state of the chip cover is not canceled in a state where the card body portion is inserted into the card slot, and the card terminal portion is not electrically connected to the equipment terminal portion in the open state of the chip cover.

According to the card for information equipment, a cutaway is not disposed in the card body portion, and the chip housing portion is disposed in the card extending portion, and exposed or covered by the chip cover. Therefore, the chip card is connected and held outside the information equipment, and can be excluded from the influence of electrical noises generated in the information equipment. Furthermore, the strength of the card itself can be held, and a circuit board and the like can be prevented from being broken.

Furthermore, the chip card housed in the card extending portion is inserted or extracted by opening or closing the chip cover. The chip cover is not opened in a state where the card body portion is inserted into the card slot of the information equipment. Therefore, in a state where the card is inserted to the information equipment, an erroneous operation of extracting the chip card can be prevented from occurring.

The invention is applied to a card type terminal such as a PC card, or a box type terminal such as a USB communication terminal.

The invention also provides a terminal for information equipment, having: a card body portion which is to be inserted into a card slot of the information equipment; a card terminal portion which is electrically connected to the information equipment in a state where the card body portion is inserted into the card slot; and a card extending portion which is provided on another end side of the card body so that the card extending portion projects from the card slot in a state where the card body portion is inserted, wherein the card extending portion has a chip slot which is provided for inserting a chip card into the card body portion, and an insertion port of the chip slot is placed on a surface thereof opposed to an insertion port of the card slot when the card body portion is inserted into the card slot.

The invention also provides a terminal for information equipment, having: a USB plug which is to be inserted into a USB slot of information equipment, and is electrically connected to the information equipment; and a terminal body portion which is provided on one end side of the USB plug so that the terminal body portion projects from the USB slot in a state where the USB plug is inserted, wherein the terminal body portion has a chip slot which is provided for inserting a chip card into the terminal body portion, and an insertion port of the chip slot is placed on a surface thereof opposed to an insertion port of the USB slot when the USB plug is inserted into the USB slot.

In the specification, the face of “circuit board” includes faces of connection terminals.

According to the terminal for information equipment, the chip slot is disposed in the card extending portion or the terminal body portion, and the chip card is inserted to the chip slot. Therefore, the chip card is connected and held outside the information equipment, and can be excluded from the influence of electrical noises generated in the information equipment.

Furthermore, an insertion port of the chip slot is placed in a side face which is opposed to the card slot of the information equipment. Therefore, in a state where the card for information equipment is inserted into the card slot of the information equipment, an erroneous operation of extracting the chip card from the card for information equipment can be prevented from occurring.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1A</figref> is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a PC card of a first embodiment in a state where a SIM card is inserted, and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1B</figref> is a perspective view showing the PC card in a state where the SIM card is ejected;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a section view showing the PC card of the first embodiment inserted to a PC, in a state where the SIM card is ejected;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a PC card of a second embodiment in a state where a SIM card is ejected;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4A</figref> is a plan view schematically showing the configuration of a PC card (in a state where a chip cover is opened) of a third embodiment, and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4B</figref> is a rear view of the PC card;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5A</figref> is a plan view showing a state where the PC card of the third embodiment is inserted to a PC (in a state where the chip cover is substantially closed) and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5B</figref> is a front view of the PC card and the PC;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6A</figref> is a plan view showing a state where the PC card of the third embodiment is inserted to the PC (in a state where the chip cover is opened), and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6B</figref> is a front view of the PC card and the PC;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7A</figref> is a plan view schematically showing the configuration of a PC card (in a state where a chip cover is closed) of a fourth embodiment, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7B</figref> is a plan view of the PC card (in a state where the chip cover is opened), and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7C</figref> is a rear view of the PC card (in a state where the chip cover is opened);

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8A</figref> is a plan view showing a state where the PC card of the fourth embodiment is inserted to a PC (in a state where a chip cover is closed), and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8B</figref> is a front view of the PC card (in a state where the chip cover is opened) and the PC;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9A</figref> is a plan view schematically showing the configuration of a PC card of a fifth embodiment, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9B</figref> is a right side view of the PC card, and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9C</figref> is a front section view of the PC card;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10A</figref> is a plan view showing a state where the PC card of the fifth embodiment is inserted to a PC, and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10B</figref> is a front view of the PC card and the PC;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11A</figref> is a plan view schematically showing the configuration of a PC card of a sixth embodiment, and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11B</figref> is an enlarged view of a portion P in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11A</figref>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12A</figref> is a right side section view taken along the line X-X of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11A</figref>, and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12B</figref> is a front section view taken along the line Y-Y of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11A</figref>; and

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13A</figref> is a plan view schematically showing the configuration of a USB communication terminal of a seventh embodiment, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13B</figref> is a right side view of the USB communication terminal, and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13C</figref> is a plan view showing a state where the USB communication terminal is inserted to a PC.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

First Embodiment

A first embodiment of the card for information equipment of the invention will be described with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1A</figref>, <b>1</b>B, and <b>2</b>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1A</figref> is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a PC card of the first embodiment in a state where a SIM card is inserted, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1B</figref> is a perspective view showing the PC card in a state where the SIM card is ejected, and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a section view showing the PC card of the first embodiment inserted to a PC, in a state where the SIM card is ejected.

As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1A</figref>, <b>1</b>B, or <b>2</b>, the PC card <b>101</b> of the first embodiment is a PC card having a single plate-like shape, and, in a state where the SIM card <b>102</b> is connected and held and the PC card is inserted into a PC slot <b>111</b> of a PC <b>110</b>, is used for expanding the function of the PC <b>110</b>, or causing the PC to function as a radio communication terminal. The SIM card <b>102</b> incorporates a circuit board (not shown) on which identifying information is recorded, and has a rectangular card-like shape in which connection terminals <b>102</b><i>a </i>are formed on the rear face.

As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1A and 1B</figref>, the PC card <b>101</b> of the first embodiment has a card body portion <b>103</b> in which a first card terminal portion <b>103</b><i>a </i>is formed in one end and a second card terminal portion <b>103</b><i>b </i>is formed in the other end.

The card body portion <b>103</b> has a thin rectangular case-like shape which is built into a resin-made frame in a state where upper and lower plate <b>131</b> and <b>132</b> that are thin metal plates overlap with each other, and incorporates a printed circuit board <b>109</b>, etc. The term of “upper face” of the card body portion <b>103</b> means a face on the operation side of the PC <b>110</b> in the case where the PC card <b>101</b> is inserted into the PC slot <b>111</b>, and the term of “lower face” of the card body portion <b>103</b> means a face on the installation side of the PC <b>110</b>.

The first card terminal portion <b>103</b><i>a </i>for a PC card bus (32 bits) is formed in one end of the printed circuit board <b>109</b>. The first card terminal portion <b>103</b><i>a </i>is exposed from the one end side (the insertion side of the PC card <b>101</b>) of the card body portion <b>103</b>, and to be electrically connected to a PC terminal portion (not shown) which is mounted in an inner part of the PC slot <b>111</b>.

In the embodiment, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1A</figref>, <b>1</b>B, or <b>2</b>, a chip slot <b>107</b> is disposed inside the second card terminal portion <b>103</b><i>b</i>. In the chip slot <b>107</b>, the SIM card <b>102</b> inserted through an insertion port <b>107</b><i>a </i>is inserted by a chip slider <b>125</b> to be placed above the printed circuit board <b>109</b>, and, in this state, the connection terminals <b>102</b><i>a </i>of the SIM card <b>102</b> are electrically contacted to spring terminals <b>109</b><i>a </i>on the printed circuit board <b>109</b>. Furthermore, an eject switch (operation portion) <b>120</b> is disposed in the card body portion <b>103</b>. The eject switch <b>120</b> is used for ejecting the SIM card <b>102</b> through the insertion port <b>107</b><i>a</i>. Hereinafter, the configurations of the chip slot <b>107</b> and the eject switch <b>120</b> will be described specifically.

As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, the second card terminal portion <b>103</b><i>b </i>is configured by the upper and lower plate <b>131</b> and <b>132</b>, and a gate portion <b>121</b> disposed between the plates. The insertion port <b>107</b><i>a </i>of the chip slot <b>107</b> is formed so as to be passed through the gate portion <b>121</b>, and opened in an outer side face of the second card terminal portion <b>103</b><i>b </i>(an end face opposite to the first card terminal portion <b>103</b><i>a</i>). Front and rear stoppers <b>124</b> and <b>123</b> are juxtaposed on the lower face of the upper plate <b>131</b>, with forming a predetermined gap in the anteroposterior direction (the direction to the first card terminal portion <b>103</b><i>a </i>and the second card terminal portion <b>103</b><i>b</i>). The chip slider <b>125</b> is disposed below the front and rear stoppers <b>124</b> and <b>123</b>. The chip slider <b>125</b> is formed into a plate-like shape having an L-like section so as to just fit with a tip end portion of the SIM card <b>102</b> which is inserted through the insertion port <b>107</b><i>a. </i>

The chip slider <b>125</b> is placed so as to abut against the lower faces of the front and rear stoppers <b>124</b> and <b>123</b>, and guided thereby to be reciprocally movable in the insertion direction A<b>1</b>− of the SIM card <b>102</b> or the extraction direction A<b>1</b>+.

By contrast, the eject switch <b>120</b> is fixed to the upper face of the chip slider <b>125</b>. The eject switch <b>120</b> is a member having a substantially T-like section shape, and used for moving the chip slider <b>125</b>. A switch recess portion <b>103</b><i>c </i>is formed in the upper plate <b>131</b>. The switch recess portion <b>103</b><i>c </i>is configured so that an air gap portion sandwiched by the front and rear stoppers <b>124</b> and <b>123</b> houses the eject switch <b>120</b>, and the upper face of the eject switch <b>120</b> does not protruded from the upper plate <b>131</b> or is placed at a position lower than the upper plate.

The eject switch <b>120</b> is reciprocally movable in the switch recess portion <b>103</b><i>c </i>in the insertion direction A<b>1</b>− of the SIM card <b>102</b> or the extraction direction A<b>1</b>+. The chip slider <b>125</b> is moved in conjunction with this movement.

In accordance with the insertion of the SIM card <b>102</b>, the chip slider <b>125</b> is moved in the insertion direction A<b>1</b>− of the card, and is stopped when the eject switch <b>120</b> abuts against the front stopper <b>124</b>. The position where the chip slider <b>125</b> is stopped is set so that a rear end portion of the SIM card <b>102</b> is not protruded from the insertion port <b>107</b><i>a </i>of the chip slot <b>107</b>.

Next, the use manner or function of the PC card <b>101</b> of the embodiment will be described.

As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1A and 1B</figref>, when the SIM card <b>102</b> is to be inserted to the PC card <b>101</b>, the card is inserted from the insertion port <b>107</b><i>a </i>of the second card terminal portion <b>103</b><i>b</i>, and then inserted into the chip slot <b>107</b>. In this case, in accordance with the insertion of the SIM card <b>102</b>, the chip slot <b>107</b> is moved in the insertion direction A<b>1</b>−, and, in conjunction with this, the eject switch <b>120</b> is moved in the insertion direction A<b>1</b>−. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, when the PC card <b>101</b> is inserted into the PC slot <b>111</b> of the PC <b>110</b>, the insertion port <b>107</b><i>a </i>of the chip slot <b>107</b> is placed so as to be exposed in an insertion port <b>111</b><i>a </i>of the PC slot <b>111</b>, and the eject switch <b>120</b> is covered by the upper face of the PC slot <b>111</b>.

As described above, in the embodiment, when the PC card <b>101</b> is inserted into the PC slot <b>111</b>, the eject switch <b>120</b> for ejecting the SIM card <b>102</b> is covered by the PC slot <b>111</b>. In the state where the PC card <b>101</b> is inserted, therefore, an erroneous operation of extracting the SIM card <b>102</b> from the PC card <b>101</b> is prevented from occurring.

In this point, particularly, the chip slider <b>125</b> is moved in conjunction with the eject switch <b>120</b>. Therefore, the chip slider <b>125</b> is not moved in the extraction direction A<b>1</b>+ of the SIM card <b>102</b> unless the eject switch <b>120</b> is operated, and hence the extraction of the SIM card <b>102</b> in a state where the PC card <b>101</b> is inserted can be surely prevented from occurring. When the SIM card <b>102</b> is inserted to the chip slot <b>107</b>, the rear end portion of the SIM card <b>102</b> is not protruded from the insertion port <b>107</b><i>a </i>of the chip slot <b>107</b>. Therefore, the SIM card <b>102</b> can be prevented from being nipped away.

In the embodiment, the insertion port <b>107</b><i>a </i>of the chip slot <b>107</b> is placed in the end face of the second card terminal portion <b>103</b><i>b</i>. Therefore, the SIM card <b>102</b> can be easily inserted, and a cutaway portion is not disposed in the card body portion <b>103</b> so that the strength of the card itself can be held to prevent the circuit board or the like from being destroyed.

In the embodiment, in the state where the PC card <b>101</b> is inserted into the PC slot <b>111</b>, the insertion port <b>107</b><i>a </i>of the chip slot <b>107</b> is exposed in the insertion port <b>111</b><i>a </i>of the PC slot <b>111</b>. Consequently, it is possible to easily visually check whether the SIM card <b>102</b> is inserted into the chip slot <b>107</b> or not.

Second Embodiment

Next, a second embodiment of the card for information equipment of the invention will be described with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a PC card of the second embodiment in a state where a SIM card is ejected.

As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, the PC card <b>101</b>A of the second embodiment is a PC card with an extending portion consisting of the card body portion <b>103</b> and a card extending portion <b>104</b>, and is different mainly from the first embodiment in that the chip slot <b>107</b> is disposed in the card extending portion <b>104</b>. Hereinafter, this point will be described in detail, and, with the other configuration, the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment are used and their description is omitted.

The card extending portion <b>104</b> is a thick case member which extends from the other end of the card body portion <b>103</b> in the longitudinal direction (the extracting direction of the SIM card <b>102</b>) A+, and incorporates the printed circuit board <b>109</b> extending from the card body portion <b>103</b>, and an internal antenna (not shown). The thus configured card extending portion <b>104</b> is placed so as to be protruded from the insertion port of the PC slot <b>111</b> in the state where the card body portion <b>103</b> is inserted into the PC slot <b>111</b>.

In the embodiment, the chip slot <b>107</b> is disposed inside the card extending portion <b>104</b>, and extends in the insertion direction A<b>1</b>− of the SIM card <b>102</b> to reach the card body portion <b>103</b>. The chip slider <b>125</b> is disposed inside the card body portion <b>103</b>, and the eject switch <b>120</b> is fixed to the chip slider.

The insertion port <b>107</b><i>a </i>of the chip slot <b>107</b> is opened in an outer side face of the card extending portion <b>104</b> (a side face opposite to the first card terminal portion <b>103</b><i>a</i>), and, when the card body portion <b>103</b> is inserted into the PC slot <b>111</b>, placed at a position which leads to the insertion port of the PC slot <b>111</b> in the end face of the PC <b>110</b> (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>).

In the embodiment, a check plate <b>104</b><i>a </i>is fitted into the upper face of the card extending portion <b>104</b>. The check plate <b>104</b><i>a </i>is formed so as to be transparent or translucent, and placed above the chip slot <b>107</b>. When the SIM card <b>102</b> is inserted to the chip slot <b>107</b>, the SIM card <b>102</b> can be visible through the card extending portion.

As described above, in the embodiment, the transparent or translucent check plate <b>104</b><i>a </i>is disposed in the card extending portion <b>104</b> to make the SIM card <b>102</b> visible through the card extending portion. Therefore, it is possible to easily know whether the SIM card <b>102</b> is inserted into the chip slot <b>107</b> or not.

In the embodiment, the insertion port <b>107</b><i>a </i>of the chip slot <b>107</b> in the end face of the card extending portion <b>104</b> is placed at the position which leads to the insertion port <b>111</b><i>a </i>of the PC slot <b>111</b> in the end face of the PC <b>110</b>. Therefore, the SIM card <b>102</b> can be mounted at a height in the vicinity of the printed circuit board <b>109</b> of the card body portion <b>103</b>, and hence the thickness of the connection terminals of the printed circuit board <b>109</b> can be reduced. In accordance with this, also the thickness of the card extending portion <b>104</b> can be reduced.

The other configuration and effects of the PC card <b>101</b>A are identical with those of the first embodiment.

Third Embodiment

Next, a third embodiment of the card for information equipment of the invention will be described with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4A to 6B</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4A</figref> is a plan view schematically showing the configuration of a PC card (in a state where a chip cover is opened) of the third embodiment, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4B</figref> is a rear view of the PC card, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5A</figref> is a plan view showing a state where the PC card of the third embodiment is inserted to a PC (in a state where the chip cover is substantially closed), <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5S</figref> is a front view of the PC card and the PC, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6A</figref> is a plan view showing a state where the PC card of the third embodiment is inserted to the PC (in a state where the chip cover is opened) and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6B</figref> is a front view of the PC card and the PC.

As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4A</figref>, <b>4</b>B, <b>5</b>A, or <b>5</b>B, the PC card <b>201</b> of the third embodiment is, in a state where a SIM card <b>202</b> is connected and held and inserted into a PC slot <b>211</b> of a PC <b>210</b>, used for expanding the function of the PC <b>210</b>, or causing the PC to function as a radio communication terminal. The SIM card <b>202</b> incorporates a circuit board (not shown) on which identifying information is recorded, and has a rectangular card-like shape in which connection terminals <b>202</b><i>a </i>are formed on the rear face. Hereinafter, the configuration of PC card <b>201</b> will be specifically described.

As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4A and 4B</figref>, the PC card <b>201</b> has a card body portion <b>203</b> and a card extending portion <b>264</b>.

The card body portion <b>203</b> has a thin rectangular case-like shape in which thin metal plates are built into a resin-made frame with overlapping with each other, and incorporates a printed circuit board (not shown), etc. A card terminal portion <b>203</b><i>a </i>for a PC card bus (32 bits) is formed in one end of the printed circuit board. The card terminal portion <b>203</b><i>a </i>is exposed from the one end side (the insertion side of the PC card) of the card body portion, and to be electrically connected to a PC terminal portion <b>212</b> which is mounted in an inner part of the PC slot <b>211</b>.

The card extending portion <b>204</b> is a thick case member which extends from the other end of the card body portion <b>203</b> in the longitudinal direction (the extracting direction) A, and which is placed so as to be protruded from the PC slot <b>211</b> in the state where the card body portion <b>203</b> is inserted into the PC slot <b>211</b> (hereinafter, often referred to as “slot inserted state”) (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5A</figref> and <b>5</b>B). In the slot inserted state, the card extending portion <b>204</b> is placed with forming a gap that is as small as a degree at which a finger of the operator cannot be inserted, with respect to a side face <b>210</b><i>a </i>of the PC <b>210</b> (substantially identical with the end face <b>211</b><i>a </i>of the PC slot <b>211</b>). A face which is to be opposed to the end face <b>210</b><i>a </i>of the PC <b>210</b> is set as “reference opposing face” <b>204</b><i>a</i>. An indicator <b>205</b> which indicates ON/OFF of a communication state, an external antenna <b>206</b> which can be housed by rotation, and the like are mounted in the card extending portion <b>204</b>.

In the embodiment, a chip housing portion <b>220</b> and a chip cover <b>230</b> are disposed in the card extending portion <b>204</b>.

The chip housing portion <b>220</b> houses the SIM card <b>202</b> to cause the card to be electrically connected to the printed circuit board, and is configured by disposing a card case portion <b>221</b> to house the SIM card <b>202</b>, in a recess portion which can be closed by the chip cover <b>230</b>. The card case portion <b>221</b> is placed so that the longitudinal direction B of the housed SIM card <b>202</b> is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A<b>2</b> of the PC card <b>201</b>. An insertion port <b>221</b><i>a </i>of the card case portion <b>221</b> is opened on the side of one side face of the PC card <b>201</b> (hereinafter, the side is referred to as “insertion port side”).

Spring terminals (not shown) which are electrically connected to the printed circuit board are mounted on the upper face of a bottom portion of the card case portion <b>221</b>. The spring terminals are electrically connected to the connection terminals <b>202</b><i>a </i>of the SIM card <b>202</b>, respectively, and urge the SIM card <b>202</b> to press it against the lower face of an upper portion of the card case portion <b>221</b>. In order to recognize whether the SIM card <b>202</b> is housed or not, the card case portion <b>221</b> is formed so as to be transparent or translucent.

The chip cover <b>230</b> is selected to be in the open state or in the close state to expose or cover the chip housing portion <b>220</b>. In order to prevent the SIM card <b>202</b> from being extracted, the chip cover causes the close state not to be cancelled in the slot inserted state, and, in order to prevent the SIM card <b>202</b> from being erroneously inserted, the card terminal portion <b>203</b><i>a </i>not to be electrically connected to the PC terminal portion <b>212</b> in the open state. The chip cover <b>230</b> will be specifically described.

The chip cover <b>230</b> is formed into a case-like shape which, in the close state, fills an air gap portion that is deficiently formed by the chip housing portion <b>220</b> in the outer shape of the card extending portion <b>204</b>. The chip cover has an upper portion <b>231</b> which is flush with the upper face of the card extending portion <b>204</b>; a first wall portion (other side portion) <b>232</b> which is formed as a wall face on the side of the insertion port; and a second wall portion (one side portion) <b>233</b> which is formed as a wall face on the side of the reference opposing face <b>204</b><i>a</i>. The ceiling face portion <b>231</b>, the first wall portion <b>232</b>, and the second wall portion <b>233</b> are placed so as to be perpendicular to one another. In order to recognize whether the SIM card <b>202</b> is inserted to the card case portion <b>221</b> or not, the chip cover <b>230</b> is formed to be transparent or translucent.

The chip cover <b>230</b> is supported so as to be slidably rotatable about a fulcrum <b>234</b>, and configured so as to be selectively horizontally moved between the open state where the longitudinal direction C of the chip cover <b>230</b> is parallel to the longitudinal direction A<b>2</b> of the card body portion <b>203</b>, and the close state where the longitudinal direction C of the chip cover <b>230</b> is parallel to the longitudinal direction B of the chip housing portion <b>220</b>.

As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5A and 5B</figref>, in the slot inserted state of the card body portion <b>203</b> and the close state of the chip cover <b>230</b>, the chip cover <b>230</b> is placed at a position where the second wall portion <b>233</b> is flush with the reference opposing face and in the vicinity of the end face <b>210</b><i>a </i>of the PC <b>210</b>. The second wall portion <b>233</b> abuts against the end face <b>210</b><i>a </i>of the PC <b>210</b> to block the slidable rotation, and stops the first wall portion <b>232</b> at the cover position of the insertion port <b>221</b><i>a </i>to prevent the close state from being cancelled.

As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6A and 6B</figref>, in the open state of the chip cover <b>230</b>, the chip cover <b>230</b> is placed at a position where the first wall portion <b>232</b> is separated from the reference opposing face <b>204</b><i>a </i>and protruded toward the card terminal portion <b>203</b><i>a</i>. The first wall portion <b>232</b> abuts against the end face <b>210</b><i>a </i>of the PC <b>210</b> to block the insertion the PC card <b>201</b>, and causes the card terminal portion <b>203</b><i>a </i>not to reach the PC terminal portion <b>212</b>, thereby preventing the terminal portions from being electrically connected to each other.

Specifically, the chip cover <b>230</b> is set so that the distance L<b>1</b> from the fulcrum <b>234</b> to the first wall portion <b>232</b> causes the distance L<b>2</b> from the abutting position of the end face <b>210</b><i>a </i>of the PC <b>210</b> to the card terminal portion <b>203</b><i>a </i>to be shorter than the distance L<b>3</b> from the abutting position of the end face <b>210</b><i>a </i>of the PC <b>210</b> to the PC terminal portion <b>212</b>.

As described above, in the embodiment, a cutaway is not disposed in the card body portion <b>203</b>, and the chip housing portion <b>220</b> is disposed in the card extending portion <b>204</b>, and exposed or covered by the chip covet <b>230</b>. Therefore, the SIM card <b>202</b> is connected and held outside the PC <b>210</b>, and can be excluded from the influence of electrical noises generated in the PC <b>210</b>. Furthermore, the strength of the card itself can be held, and a circuit board and the like can be prevented from being broken.

In the embodiment, furthermore, in the state where the card body portion <b>203</b> is inserted into the PC slot <b>211</b>, the chip cover is not opened. In the state where the card is inserted to the PC <b>210</b>, therefore, an erroneous operation of extracting the SIM card <b>202</b> can be prevented from occurring.

In the embodiment, moreover, in the state where the chip cover <b>230</b> is opened, the card terminal portion <b>203</b><i>a </i>is not to be electrically connected to the PC terminal portion <b>212</b> even when the PC card <b>201</b> is inserted into the PC slot <b>211</b>. Therefore, the power source is not supplied from the PC <b>210</b> to the PC card <b>201</b> and the printed circuit board of the PC card <b>201</b> is not operated. In this state, consequently, the SIM card <b>202</b> can be safely inserted or extracted.

In the embodiment, moreover, the card case portion <b>221</b> of the chip housing portion <b>220</b>, and the chip cover <b>230</b> are made transparent or translucent. Even in the state where the PC card <b>201</b> is inserted to the PC <b>210</b>, therefore, it is possible to know whether the SIM card <b>202</b> is inserted to the PC card <b>201</b> or not.

Fourth Embodiment

Next, a fourth embodiment of the card for information equipment of the invention will be described with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7A to 7C</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8A and 8B</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7A</figref> is a plan view schematically showing the configuration of a PC card (in a state where a chip cover is closed) of the fourth embodiment, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7B</figref> is a plan view of the PC card (in a state where the chip cover is opened), and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7C</figref> is a rear view of the PC card (in a state where the chip cover is opened).

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8A</figref> is a plan view showing a state where the PC card of the fourth embodiment is inserted to a PC (in a state where a chip cover is closed), and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8B</figref> is a front view of the PC card (in a state where the chip cover is opened) and the PC.

As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7A to 7C</figref> or <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8A and 8B</figref>, the PC card <b>201</b>A of the fourth embodiment is different mainly from the third embodiment in the configurations of a chip cover <b>230</b>′ and a chip housing portion <b>220</b>′. Hereinafter, these points will be described, and, with the other configuration, the same reference numerals as those of the third embodiment are used and their description is omitted.

As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7A to 7C</figref>, a support shaft <b>236</b> for the chip cover is disposed in one side edge portion of the card extending portion <b>204</b> so as to be parallel to the longitudinal direction A<b>2</b> of the card body portion <b>203</b>. The chip cover <b>230</b>′ is rotatably supported by the support shaft <b>236</b>, and can be opened and closed on the side of the card extending portion <b>204</b> opposite to the support shaft <b>236</b>. A flange portion <b>235</b> which extends toward the card terminal portion <b>203</b><i>a </i>is formed into a flat plate-like shape in the lower edge of the reference opposing face <b>204</b><i>a </i>of the card extending portion <b>204</b>. In the upper face of the card body portion <b>203</b>, a recess <b>203</b><i>b </i>into which the flange portion <b>235</b> is just fit is formed in a region from a position in the vicinity of the card extending portion <b>204</b> to a position which is to be covered by the PC slot <b>211</b> in the slot inserted state.

As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8A</figref>, in a close state of the chip cover <b>230</b>′, the flange portion <b>235</b> is fit into the recess <b>203</b><i>b </i>and placed in the same plane as the card body portion <b>203</b>. The flange portion <b>235</b> is inserted together with the card body portion <b>203</b> into the PC slot <b>211</b>, so that, in the slot inserted state, the chip cover <b>230</b>′ is not opened.

By contrast, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8B</figref>, in an open state of the chip cover <b>230</b>′, the flange portion <b>235</b> is placed at a position separated from the card body portion <b>203</b>. A side edge (the right end edge in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8B</figref>) of the flange portion <b>235</b> abuts against the end face <b>210</b><i>a </i>of the PC <b>210</b> to block the insertion of the card body portion <b>203</b>, and the card terminal portion <b>203</b><i>a </i>does not reach the PC terminal portion <b>212</b>, thereby preventing the terminal portions from being electrically connected to each other.

Specifically, the chip cover <b>230</b>′ is set so that the elongating distance L<b>1</b>′ of the flange portion <b>235</b> causes the distance L<b>2</b>′ from the abutting position of the end face <b>210</b><i>a </i>of the PC <b>210</b> to the card terminal portion <b>203</b><i>a </i>to be shorter than the distance L<b>3</b>′ from the abutting position of the end face <b>210</b><i>a </i>of the PC <b>210</b> to the PC terminal portion <b>212</b>.

In the chip housing portion <b>220</b>′, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7B</figref>, the recess which is to house the SIM card <b>202</b> is exposed, and a spring terminal portion (not shown) is mounted on a bottom area of the recess. In the close state of the chip cover <b>230</b>′, the chip housing portion <b>220</b>′ presses the SIM card <b>202</b> against the rear face of the chip cover <b>230</b>′ by the elastic force of the spring terminal portion.

In the embodiment, the flange portion <b>235</b> is inserted over the whole area of the PC slot <b>211</b>. Therefore, the close state can be held more strongly than the case of the third embodiment, and the chip cover <b>230</b>′ exposes thoroughly the chip housing portion <b>220</b>′. Consequently, the embodiment is more advantageous than the third embodiment because the SIM card <b>202</b> can be easily inserted.

The other configuration and effects of the PC card <b>201</b>A are identical with those of the third embodiment.

Fifth Embodiment

Next, a fifth embodiment of the card for information equipment of the invention will be described with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 9A to 9C</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10A and 10B</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9A</figref> is a plan view schematically showing the configuration of a PC card of the fifth embodiment, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9B</figref> is a right side view of the PC card, and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9C</figref> is a front section view of the PC card.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10A</figref> is a plan view showing a state where the PC card of the fifth embodiment is inserted to a PC, and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10B</figref> is a front view of the PC card and the PC.

As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 9A to 9C</figref> or <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10A and 10B</figref>, the PC card <b>301</b> of the fifth embodiment is a card type communication terminal, and, in a state where a SIM card <b>302</b> is connected and held and the PC card is inserted into a PC slot <b>311</b> of the PC <b>310</b>, is used for expanding the function of the PC <b>310</b>, or causing the PC to function as a radio communication terminal. The SIM card <b>302</b> incorporates a circuit board (not shown) on which identifying information is recorded, and has a rectangular card-like shape in which connection terminals <b>302</b><i>a </i>are formed on the rear face. Hereinafter, the configuration of PC card <b>301</b> will be specifically described.

As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 9A to 9C</figref>, the PC card <b>301</b> has a card body portion <b>303</b> and a card extending portion <b>304</b>.

The card body portion <b>303</b> has a thin rectangular case-like shape in which thin metal plates are built into a resin-made frame with overlapping with each other, and incorporates a printed circuit board <b>309</b>, etc. A card terminal portion <b>303</b><i>a </i>for a PC card bus (32 bits) is formed in one end of the printed circuit board <b>309</b>. The card terminal portion <b>303</b><i>a </i>is exposed from the one end side (the insertion side of the PC card) of the card body portion, and to be electrically connected to a PC terminal portion <b>312</b> which is mounted in an inner part of the PC slot <b>311</b> (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 108</figref>).

The card extending portion <b>304</b> is a thick case member which extends from the other end of the card body portion <b>303</b> in the longitudinal direction (the extracting direction of the PC card) A−, and incorporates another end portion of the printed circuit board <b>309</b> extending from the card body portion <b>303</b>, and an internal antenna (not shown). The card extending portion <b>304</b> is placed so as to be protruded from the insertion port of the PC slot <b>311</b> in a state where the card body portion <b>303</b> is inserted into the PC slot <b>311</b> (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10A and 10B</figref>). In the inserted state, the card extending portion <b>304</b> is placed with forming a gap that is as small as a degree at which a finger of the operator cannot be inserted, with respect to a side face <b>310</b><i>a </i>of the PC <b>310</b> (substantially identical with the end face of the PC slot <b>311</b>). Among side faces of the card extending portion <b>304</b>, a face which is to be opposed to the side face <b>310</b><i>a </i>of the PC <b>310</b> is set as “reference opposing face” <b>304</b><i>a. </i>

An indicator <b>305</b> which indicates ON/OFF of a communication state, an external antenna <b>306</b> which can be housed by rotation, and the like are mounted in the card extending portion <b>304</b>.

In the embodiment, a chip slot <b>307</b> into which the inserted SIM card <b>302</b> is inserted is disposed inside the card extending portion <b>304</b>. The chip slot <b>307</b> has a thin case-like chip case portion <b>307</b><i>a </i>in which one end is opened. The chip case portion <b>307</b><i>a </i>is placed above the printed circuit board <b>309</b> and parallel thereto so that the insertion port is on the reference opposing face <b>304</b><i>a</i>. In the chip case portion <b>307</b><i>a</i>, the connecting terminals <b>302</b><i>a </i>of the SIM card <b>302</b> are exposed from the lower face, and electrically connected to spring terminals <b>309</b><i>a </i>on the printed circuit board <b>309</b>.

In accordance with the insertion or extraction of the SIM card <b>302</b>, the thus configured chip case portion <b>307</b><i>a </i>is reciprocally moved in the insertion direction A<b>3</b>− of the SIM card <b>302</b> or the extraction direction A<b>3</b>+. The chip slot <b>307</b> is configured so that the chip case portion <b>307</b><i>a </i>is moved in the insertion direction A<b>3</b>− in accordance with the insertion of the SIM card <b>302</b>, and engaged inside the card extending portion <b>304</b>, thereby placing a rear end edge portion (a portion on the side of the insertion port) of the SIM card <b>302</b> on or inside the reference opposing face <b>304</b><i>a</i>. Furthermore, the chip slot <b>307</b> is configured so that the engagement is canceled by pressing down an insertion port portion of the chip case portion <b>307</b><i>a</i>, and the chip case portion <b>307</b><i>a </i>is moved in the extraction direction A<b>3</b>+ of the SIM card <b>302</b>, thereby exposing the rear end edge portion of the SIM card <b>302</b>.

In order to improve the insertion of the SIM card <b>302</b>, a cutaway portion <b>308</b> is formed in the card extending portion <b>304</b>. The cutaway portion <b>308</b> is recessed from the reference opposing face <b>304</b><i>a </i>in the insertion direction A<b>3</b> of the SIM card <b>302</b>, in a concave curved shape conforming to an external shape of a finger, and overlaps with a mouth portion of the chip slot <b>307</b>, so that a rear end portion of the SIM card <b>302</b> inserted to the chip slot <b>307</b> is exposed.

Next, the use manner or function of the PC card <b>301</b> of the embodiment will be described.

As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10A and 10B</figref>, when the SIM card <b>302</b> is inserted to the chip slot <b>307</b> of the card extending portion <b>304</b>, and the PC card <b>301</b> is inserted into the PC slot <b>311</b>, the card terminal portion <b>303</b><i>a </i>is electrically connected to the PC terminal portion <b>312</b>. Therefore, the PC <b>310</b> supplies the power source to the PC card <b>301</b>, and a radio communication enabled state is established.

Under such circumstances, the reference opposing face <b>304</b><i>a </i>of the card extending portion <b>304</b> is placed with forming a gap that is as small as a degree at which a finger cannot be inserted, with respect to the side face <b>310</b><i>a </i>of the PC <b>310</b> on the end face the PC slot <b>311</b>. Since the insertion port of the chip slot <b>307</b> is on the reference opposing face <b>304</b><i>a</i>, the operator cannot extract the SIM card <b>302</b> inserted into the chip slot <b>307</b> while the PC <b>310</b> conducts radio communication.

As described above, in the embodiment, the chip slot <b>307</b> is disposed in the card extending portion <b>304</b>, and the SIM card <b>302</b> is inserted to the chip slot. Therefore, the SIM card <b>302</b> is connected and held outside the PC <b>310</b>, and can be excluded from the influence of electrical noises generated in the PC <b>310</b>.

In the embodiment, the SIM card <b>302</b> is inserted and extracted by the reciprocal movement of the chip case portion <b>307</b><i>a </i>in the card extending portion <b>304</b>. Therefore, a cutaway portion is not required to be disposed in the card body portion, and hence the strength of the card itself can be held to prevent a circuit board or the like from being destroyed.

In this point, particularly, the cutaway portion <b>308</b> is disposed in the reference opposing face <b>304</b><i>a </i>(the mouth of the chip slot <b>307</b>) of the card extending portion <b>304</b>, and the rear end portion of the inserted SIM card <b>302</b> is exposed. When the SIM card <b>302</b> is to be inserted or extracted, the SIM card <b>302</b> can be handled without producing excessive stress in the card. The cutaway portion <b>308</b> has an advantage that, in the state where the PC card <b>301</b> is inserted, it is possible to know whether the SIM card <b>302</b> is inserted or not.

In the embodiment, the insertion port of the chip slot <b>307</b> is placed at the position close to the side face of the PC <b>310</b> so as be opposed thereto. Therefore, an erroneous operation of extracting the SIM card <b>302</b> from the PC card <b>301</b> in a state where the PC card <b>301</b> is inserted to the PC <b>310</b> can be prevented from occurring.

Sixth Embodiment

Next, a sixth embodiment of the card for information equipment of the invention will be described with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 11A</figref>, <b>11</b>B, <b>12</b>A, and <b>12</b>B.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11A</figref> is a plan view schematically showing the configuration of a PC card of the sixth embodiment, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11B</figref> is an enlarged view of a portion P in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11A</figref>, FIG. <b>12</b>A is a right side section view taken along the line X-X of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11A</figref>, and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12B</figref> is a front section view taken along the line Y-Y of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11A</figref>.

As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11A</figref>, the PC card <b>301</b>A of the sixth embodiment is different mainly from the fifth embodiment in that a slide recess portion <b>330</b> is disposed in the card body portion <b>303</b>, and, correspondingly, in the configurations of the card extending portion <b>304</b>, etc. Hereinafter, these points will be described in detail, and, with the other configuration, the same reference numerals as those of the fifth embodiment are used and their description is omitted.

As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 11A and 11B</figref> or <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 12A and 12B</figref>, in the sixth embodiment, the slide recess portion <b>330</b> is disposed in the card body portion <b>303</b>. The slide recess portion <b>330</b> is used for guiding the SIM card <b>302</b> to the chip slot <b>307</b> of the card extending portion <b>304</b>, occupies a region which is slightly larger than the external shape of the SIM card <b>302</b>, and which extends over an area from an interface portion (a portion of the reference opposing face <b>304</b><i>a</i>) between the card extending portion <b>304</b> and the card body portion <b>303</b> to the card terminal portion <b>303</b><i>a</i>, and placed so that the SIM card <b>302</b> is embedded in the card body portion <b>303</b>.

The slide recess portion <b>330</b> has a rectangular through hole <b>333</b> which is disposed in the card body portion <b>303</b>, and has a pair of side slide portions <b>331</b>, <b>331</b> which are disposed on the both sides of the through hole <b>333</b>, and an end slope portion <b>332</b> which is disposed on the rear side of the through hole <b>333</b> (the side of the card terminals). In the embodiment, “recess” of the slide recess portion <b>330</b> includes a case where the surface of the card body portion <b>303</b> partially sinks and is bottomed, and that where the card body portion <b>303</b> is passed through and not bottomed. The latter case is more advantageous because the guiding position to the insertion port of the chip slot <b>307</b> can be adjusted without being affected by the thickness of a member constituting the card body portion <b>303</b>, and that of the printed circuit board <b>309</b>.

Each of the side slide portions <b>331</b> is formed into a block piece-like shape which stepwise falls from the upper face of the card body portion <b>303</b>. In order that the side slide portion abuts against a side edge portion of the SIM card <b>302</b>, the length of the block piece is set to be larger than that of the SIM card <b>302</b>, and the distance with respect to the other side slide portion <b>331</b> is smaller than the width of the SIM card <b>302</b>.

The thickness (height) of the side slide portion <b>331</b> is set so that the upper face of the portion is substantially flush with the upper face of the printed circuit board <b>309</b>. By contrast, the chip slot <b>307</b> is placed so that a guiding face (the upper face of a bottom portion) of the chip case portion <b>307</b><i>a </i>is substantially flush with the upper face of the side slide portion <b>331</b>.

The end slope portion <b>332</b> is formed as a slope which is obliquely downward inclined from the upper face of the card body portion <b>303</b> toward the upper faces of the side slide portions <b>331</b>. The end slope portion abuts against the rear end portion of the SIM card <b>302</b>, and allows the card to slide on the side slide portions <b>331</b>.

The chip case portion <b>307</b><i>a </i>in the embodiment is placed at a position (a position which is closer to the printed circuit board) which is lower than that in the fifth embodiment. Correspondingly, also the thickness (height) of the card extending portion <b>304</b> is set to be smaller than that in the fifth embodiment. An escape hole <b>309</b><i>b </i>is formed in the printed circuit board <b>309</b> by a size which does not interfere with the slide recess portion <b>330</b> (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 11A and 11B</figref>).

In the thus configured embodiment, when the SIM card <b>302</b> is to be inserted, the SIM card <b>302</b> is dropped into the slide recess portion <b>330</b>, and then slid toward the card extending portion <b>304</b> while being lightly pressed with a finger. The SIM card <b>302</b> is then guided by the side slide portions <b>331</b> and the end slope portion <b>332</b> to slip into the chip slot <b>307</b>, and, without any further operation, the connecting terminals <b>302</b><i>a </i>of the SIM card <b>302</b> are placed on the connecting terminals <b>309</b><i>a </i>of the printed circuit board <b>309</b> to be electrically connected thereto.

In the embodiment, the slide recess portion <b>330</b> is disposed in the card body portion <b>303</b>, and the SIM card <b>302</b> is guided into the chip slot <b>307</b> by the recess portion. Therefore, the SIM card <b>302</b> can be easily inserted without nipping the card with fingers, simply by sliding the card with a finger, and can be safely inserted without producing excessive stress in the SIM card <b>302</b>.

Particularly, the SIM card <b>302</b> is led onto the printed circuit board <b>309</b> by the guidance of the side slide portions <b>331</b>, and placed on the printed circuit board. Therefore, the thickness of the connecting terminals of the printed circuit board <b>309</b> can be reduced, and correspondingly also the thickness of the card extending portion <b>304</b> can be reduced.

In the embodiment, the rear end portion of the SIM card <b>302</b> is exposed by the cutaway portion <b>308</b> of the card extending portion <b>304</b>, and the through hole <b>333</b> of the slide recess portion <b>330</b> allows the exposed rear end portion of the SIM card <b>302</b> to be easily nipped with fingers. Therefore, the SIM card <b>302</b> can be extracted easily and safely.

The other configuration and effects of the PC card <b>301</b>A are identical with those of the fifth embodiment.

Seventh Embodiment

Next, a seventh embodiment of the card for information equipment of the invention will be described with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 13A to 13C</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13A</figref> is a plan view schematically showing the configuration of a USB communication terminal of the seventh embodiment, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13B</figref> is a right side view of the USB communication terminal, and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13C</figref> is a plan view showing a state where the USB communication terminal is inserted to a PC.

As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 13A to 13C</figref>, the USB communication terminal <b>301</b>B of the seventh embodiment is a box-like terminal, and has a terminal body portion <b>315</b> and a USB plug <b>317</b>.

In the same manner as the fifth and sixth embodiments, the terminal body portion <b>315</b> incorporates a printed circuit board, an internal antenna (these components are not shown), and the like, and the indicator <b>305</b> is formed on the outer surface. The USB plug <b>317</b> is to be inserted into a USB slot (not shown) of the PC <b>310</b> according to the USB (Universal Serial Bus) system, and electrically connected to a USB port which is at an inner position of the slot.

The USB plug <b>317</b> is mounted via a step <b>316</b> to one side face of the terminal body portion <b>315</b>. The one side face of the terminal body portion <b>315</b> corresponds to “reference opposing face <b>304</b><i>a</i>” in the fifth and sixth embodiments, and, in this embodiment, referred to as “reference opposing face <b>315</b><i>a</i>.” When the USB plug <b>317</b> is inserted to the USB slot, the step <b>316</b> makes an interval between the reference opposing face <b>315</b><i>a </i>of the terminal body portion <b>315</b> and the side face <b>310</b><i>a </i>of the PC <b>310</b> which is flush with the insertion port of the USB slot, as a gap that is as small as a degree at which a finger cannot be inserted.

In the embodiment, the chip slot <b>307</b> which is similar to that in the fifth or sixth embodiment is disposed in the reference opposing face <b>315</b><i>a </i>of the terminal body portion. An eject button (operation portion) <b>318</b> for ejecting the SIM card <b>302</b> from the chip slot <b>307</b> is disposed on the same plane (the reference opposing face <b>315</b><i>a</i>) as the insertion port of the chip slot <b>307</b>.

The eject button <b>318</b> is retractable into the reference opposing face <b>315</b><i>a</i>. When the chip case portion <b>307</b><i>a </i>(see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9A</figref>) is moved in the insertion direction A<b>3</b> of the SIM card <b>302</b> in accordance with the insertion of the SIM card <b>302</b>, the eject button <b>318</b> is placed with being protruded. By contrast, when the eject button <b>318</b> is depressed inside, the chip case portion <b>307</b><i>a </i>is moved in the extraction direction A<b>3</b>+ of the SIM card <b>302</b> to be protruded from the insertion port of the chip slot.

As described above, in the embodiment, the chip slot <b>307</b> is disposed in the terminal body portion <b>315</b> to cause the insertion port to be on the reference opposing face <b>315</b><i>a</i>, and the SIM card <b>302</b> is inserted to the chip slot <b>307</b>. Even in a box type terminal, in the same manner as the PC cards <b>301</b>, <b>301</b>A, the SIM card <b>302</b> can be prevented from being extracted from the terminal body portion <b>315</b> during a period when the USB plug <b>317</b> is inserted to the USB port and the USB communication terminal <b>301</b>B operates.

In the embodiment, particularly, the eject button <b>318</b> is disposed together with the insertion port of the chip slot <b>307</b> on the reference opposing face <b>315</b><i>a</i>. In the state where the USB plug <b>317</b> is inserted to the USB port, therefore, the operator cannot touch the eject button <b>318</b>. When the USB communication terminal <b>301</b>B operates, consequently, the ejection of the SIM card <b>302</b> can be prevented from occurring.

The other configuration and effects with respect to the principal points of the USB communication terminal <b>301</b>B are identical with those of the fifth and sixth embodiments.

The invention is not restricted to the fifth to seventh embodiments, and can be variously modified.

In the invention, the cutaway portion in the mouth of the chip slot is disposed in the PC cards of the fifth and sixth embodiments. Alternatively, the cutaway portion may be disposed in the USB communication terminal of the seventh embodiment. The cutaway portion has the function of, in the state where the SIM card (chip card) is inserted, exposing the rear end portion (insertion port side portion) of the SIM card. This function can be divided into a function of facilitating the extraction of the exposed SIM card by nipping the rear end portion, and that of, in the state where the PC card or the like is inserted to the PC while exposing the rear end portion of the SIM card, recognizing whether the SIM card is inserted or not.

In the invention, in order to further improve the former function (extractability of a SIM card), the eject button (operation portion) is disposed in the USB communication terminal (terminal for an information equipment) of the seventh embodiment, the eject button is protruded when a SIM card is inserted, and the SIM card is ejected by operating the protruded eject button. Such an eject button may be disposed in the PC cards (terminals for an information equipment) of the fifth and sixth embodiments. The invention is not restricted to this. From another viewpoint, in the seventh embodiment, for example, the eject button is protruded from the step in a state where the SIM card is not inserted, and the eject button abuts against the end face the PC (information equipment) when the USB plug is inserted, thereby informing the operator that the SIM card is not inserted. This is applicable also to the fifth and sixth embodiments.

In order to further improve the latter function (recognizability of a SIM card) in the function of partly exposing the SIM card, an upper portion to which the SIM card is inserted (in the fifth and sixth embodiments, a ceiling face portion of the chip case portion, and the corresponding ceiling face portion of the card body portion) is made transparent or translucent.

In the invention, as in the fifth to seventh embodiments, it is preferable that the rear end portion of the SIM card is placed on or inside the reference opposing face. The invention is not restricted to this. The rear end portion of the SIM card may be protruded from the reference opposing face. In this case, there is an advantage that the extractability and recognizability of a SIM card are further improved. The amount of projection of a SIM card is restricted to a range where the SIM card does not abut against an end face of a PC.

The invention can be applied to a card type terminal such as a PC card, or a box type terminal such as a USB communication terminal. However, the invention is not restricted to this. The invention can be applied to any terminal for information equipment as far as it comprises a connecting portion which is to be electrically connected to information equipment therein, and a box portion which is protruded from a side face of the information equipment in a state where the connecting portion is electrically connected.

Each of the PC cards of the second embodiment to the sixth embodiment and the USB communication terminal of the seventh embodiment has a port similar to the insertion port <b>107</b><i>a </i>in the PC card <b>101</b> of the first embodiment.